In California, the severity of a drug offense depends on factors such as:

• the amount and type of drugs involved;
• whether it the offense is for possession or sale;
• the defendant’s prior criminal record;
• whether the offense was coupled with an allegation of violence.

First time offenders for drug possession are often eligible for alternative sentencing, such as “Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) or Proposition 36, provided that no allegation of violence are present. Both DEJ and Proposition 36 offer probation and drug treatment programs for offenders in lieu of jail or prison time, although the programs differ in terms of length and the ability to have the conviction expunged from ones record if the treatment and probation are successfully completed.

A conviction for the sale of narcotics is generally a felony and can carry hefty fines, jail or prison time.

Regardless of the drug crime, you must protect your rights immediately. Our firm can often either reduce or dismiss the charges against you or pursue an aggressive trial strategy. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your drug charge is “no big deal.”